Offshore wind turbine generator connection arrangement and tower system

Abstract

An offshore wind turbine generator comprises an elongated, buoyant tower, having an internal service tube, the service tube extending from the lower end of the tower to above the waterline when in use, a connection arrangement comprising an upper connection assembly, and a lower connection assembly. An intermediate tension / torsion leg is arranged between the upper and lower connection assemblies. The connection assembly is adapted for lowering and raising within the service tube.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to wind turbine generators, more specifically to floating, offshore wind turbine generators.[0003]2. Brief Description of the Prior Art[0004]The development of wind turbine generators for generating power, preferably in the form of electric power, has moved steadily in the direction of larger wind turbines. Wind turbine generators with an output of about 5 MW and a rotor diameter of more than 115-125 m have now been designed and constructed. Wind turbine generators as large as 5 MW and more have been designed primarily with a view to being installed offshore due to a variety of technical, logistical and aesthetic considerations.[0005]Offshore wind turbine generators are in general either of the fixed installation type, or the floating type. The floating type of wind turbine generator presents a significant number of technical challenges in terms of installation, operation and maintenance. Such wind turbine ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about an offshore wind turbine generator that has a unique connection arrangement to connect the turbine blades to the generator. This connection is designed to be easily raised and lowered for maintenance. Additionally, the design of the connection compensates for the yaw forces caused by the rotation of the turbine blades, which makes the generator more stable and efficient. This results in a smaller size of the generator and the need for a smaller winch during installation and maintenance.

Problems solved by technology

The floating type of wind turbine generator presents a significant number of technical challenges in terms of installation, operation and maintenance.

Such wind turbine generators are inherently large constructions, and often extend very far beneath the surface.

As a result, it is often necessary to tow the wind turbine generator horizontally to its destination, up-right the wind turbine generator and anchor it to the seabed, each phase of which presents its own technical difficulties due in part to the shear size of the wind turbine generator.

There is not presently known an adequate integrated solution to such challenges.

In addition, once installed, a floating wind turbine generator will be subjected to strong winds that will cause both pitching and yawing motions of the wind turbine generator tower.

Such forces cause strain on the tower itself, as well as exposing such components as the electrical cables, the anchor attachment etc to possible failure.

Known floating wind turbine generators do not provide adequate arrangements for efficiently compensating for pitch and yaw.

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